All 3 methods - using iso, dvd, local system - produce a stick with correct data written on it, but when it comes to boot from the stick it ends up with a blue screen (0x00000007b) - always.
I tried it with an ide-hdd installed or without - same results.

The notebook I'm using is prepared to boot from usb, I can boot any linux installation from usb without problems.

Any ideas what I could try?
thx

Windows 7 does not have built-in USB 3.0 support, so Windows 7 to go drive must be to boot from a USB 2.0 port, please insert your usb drive to a USB 2.0 port and try again.

BTW, we recommend using Windows 10/8.1/8 to create portable Windows, because Windows 10/8.1/8 To Go have better compatibility.